Psalms 74:2 - Remember your congregation, which you purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your inheritance; Mount Zion, in which you have lived.

Generated Verse: Psalms 74:2

What does "Psalms 74:2" mean?


Psalm 74 is a lament, a cry for help from the Israelites to God in the face of destruction, likely the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Psalm 74:2 specifically is a poignant plea to God, reminding Him of His covenantal relationship with His people. Let's break it down:

"Remember your congregation, which you purchased of old...": This is the core of the verse. The word "congregation" refers to the people of Israel, the community of believers. The phrase "purchased of old" alludes to God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This wasn't a mere liberation, but a divine act of ownership. God bought them out of slavery, making them His own. It refers back to the Exodus event.

"...which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your inheritance...": "Redeemed" reinforces the idea of God buying them back. The Israelites were once slaves, but God paid the "price" (metaphorically, through His mighty acts) to free them. The phrase "tribe of your inheritance" emphasizes the special relationship God has with Israel. They are His chosen people, His possession, His inheritance. They are precious to Him. The tribe of His inheritance means that they belong to him, and are his possession.

"...Mount Zion, in which you have lived.": Mount Zion is the hill in Jerusalem where the Temple stood. The Temple was considered God's dwelling place, the place where His presence resided among His people. Saying God "lived" on Mount Zion reminds Him of His commitment to be with His people in their land and in their sanctuary. In essence, this final part is saying "Remember your home".

In summary, this verse is a threefold reminder to God:

1. Remember Your Ownership: Remember the covenant you made when you redeemed us from Egypt and made us Your people.
2. Remember Your Possession: Remember that we are Your inheritance, Your cherished possession.
3. Remember Your Dwelling: Remember Mount Zion, Your earthly home, where Your presence dwells.

The psalmist is essentially saying, "God, don't forget Your promises, Your people, and Your own dwelling place. We are suffering; we need Your help. Remember who we are to You, and remember where You have chosen to dwell among us." It's a deeply emotional and strategic appeal to God's faithfulness based on their shared history and the covenant between them.